Moreno Valley council looks to protect renters

The Moreno Valley City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution designed to help residential and commercial tenants hurt by COVID-19.

The measure forbids charging interest, fees or penalties for non-payment of rent caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, according to a statement on the city’s website. 

Acceptable reasons for late payment, or non-payment, include:

• illness due to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19;
• serving as a caregiver to a household or family member with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19;
• loss of job, loss of hours or other income loss because of COVID-19 or the state of emergency declared because of it;
• a tenant’s need to miss work to care for a child whose school was closed because of  COVID-19. 

The resolution, which adds to provisions in an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is retroactive to March 27. It will remain in effect until May 31 or until the executive order is rescinded.

Like Newsom’s mandate, Moreno Valley’s resolution does not mean renters are spared having to pay their rent.  All renters must share with their landlord written proof of their inability to pay on time, according to the statement.